Craig Kimbrel

Last updated

20+2⁄3 innings. He recorded 40 strikeouts and 16 walks. [7] In the 2010 NLDS, he was the losing pitcher in Game 3 against the eventual World Series ChampionSan Francisco Giants.

2011

Kimbrel made the roster to start the 2011 season as the team's primary closer. He was successful in his first four save opportunities before blowing his first career save on April 21, 2011. On June 3, 2011, in a game versus the New York Mets, Kimbrel passed the record for most saves by a National League rookie before the All-Star break. [10] He is the fastest Braves pitcher to reach 100 career strikeouts, doing so in 59+1⁄3 career innings. His new record surpassed the previous record set by John Rocker in the 1998–1999 season, where it took Rocker 70 career innings to reach the 100 career strikeout mark. [11] On July 5, his 26th save matched Jonathan Papelbon's record for most saves by a rookie before the All-Star break. [12] On July 7, Kimbrel's 27th save of the year against the Colorado Rockies broke Papelbon's record. [13]

Kimbrel on the mound in 2011 Craig Kimbrel 9-23-11.jpg
Kimbrel on the mound in 2011

Kimbrel was selected to the 2011 All Star Game during his first full season in the majors. San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy chose Kimbrel as a replacement for Giants pitcher Matt Cain.[ citation needed ]

On July 22, 2011, in a game versus the Cincinnati Reds, Kimbrel broke the Braves rookie record for saves in a season (31). [14]

On August 9, 2011, in a game versus the Florida Marlins, Kimbrel tied the National League rookie record for saves in a season (36 by Todd Worrell of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1986). He broke that record on August 17 in a game versus the San Francisco Giants. On August 21, 2011, Kimbrel recorded his 100th strike out which coincided with his 39th save of the season and a string of 30+2⁄3 innings without yielding a run. [15] [16] On August 23, 2011, Kimbrel recorded his 40th save, tying the rookie save record of Neftalí Feliz. He subsequently broke this record with his 41st save on August 31 with two strikeouts in a game against the Washington Nationals. At the time, he led the majors in saves and had not given up a run in his last 34 innings. [17] The following night, Kimbrel surpassed Cliff Lee's mark of 34 scoreless innings with 34+2⁄3 scoreless innings for the longest scoreless streak in the majors in 2011. [18] He was named the NL Rookie of the Month and Delivery Man of the Month for August 2011. [19] [20] His scoreless inning streak came to an end after 38+1⁄3 innings, on September 9, 2011. [21]

The Braves' season ended when Kimbrel blew a save against the Philadelphia Phillies in the last game of the season. The loss knocked Atlanta out of playoff contention, completing a historic late-season collapse that squandered an early September lead of 8+1⁄2 games in the National League Wild Card race. [22] Kimbrel's mediocre September (4.76 ERA) [23] led to charges that manager Fredi González had overworked him over the course of the season. [24] [25]

Kimbrel ended the season tied for the National League lead with 46 saves—surpassing the previous rookie record of 40, set by Feliz in 2010—and led major league relievers with 127 strikeouts in 77 innings. [26]

On November 14, the Baseball Writers' Association of America announced the results of their 2011 National League Rookie of the Year vote; Craig Kimbrel received all 32 first-place ballots—the first unanimous selection since 2001 winner Albert Pujols—for 160 points. Freddie Freeman finished second in the voting with 21 second-place votes and seven third-place votes, for a total of 70 points [27] —making the pair the first teammates to take the top two spots since 1989, when the Chicago Cubs' Jerome Walton and Dwight Smith came in first and second in the balloting. [28] [29] The only other time two Braves finished in the top five, the organization was still located in Milwaukee—Gene Conley was voted third-best rookie of the 1954 season; Hank Aaron came in fourth. [26] He was also named the Players Choice Awards NL Outstanding Rookie by the Major League Baseball Players Association. [30]

2012

Kimbrel again made the All-Star team in 2012. He struck out the two batters he faced. [31] He won the Delivery Man of the Month Award for September 2012. [32] On September 26, he struck out four batters in the ninth inning. [33]

Kimbrel was thoroughly dominant throughout the 2012 season. He led the National League with 42 saves (in 45 opportunities) and Win Probability Added among pitchers. He struck out 116 batters in 62+2⁄3 innings, producing a K/9 rate of 16.7. [34] In so doing, he also became the first pitcher in history to strike out at least half the batters he faced during a season. [35] He also went to an 0–2 count on 56% of the batters he faced. [36] Kimbrel allowed only 3.9 hits and 2.0 walks per 9 innings he pitched, giving him a WHIP of 0.65 and a batting average against of .126. He finished with an ERA of 1.01. [34] He won the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award. [37] Kimbrel finished fifth in the 2012 National League Cy Young Award voting, [38] and eighth in the 2012 National League MVP voting. [39]

2013

Kimbrel in his pre-pitch stance during 2013 Craig Kimbrel on September 14, 2013.jpg
Kimbrel in his pre-pitch stance during 2013

Kimbrel began the 2013 season with three blown saves during his first nine save opportunities, tying his personal record for blown saves during the entire 2012 season. [40] Nonetheless, on May 9, 2013, in a game against the San Francisco Giants, Kimbrel earned his 100th save making him the second youngest player in MLB history to reach that mark. [41] With a save against the Cardinals on July 27, 2013, he became only the second Atlanta pitcher after John Smoltz to have three 30-save seasons. [42] Kimbrel surpassed John Smoltz's Braves record of 27 consecutive saves on August 17, 2013. [43]

On September 27, Kimbrel recorded his 50th save of the season in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. In doing so, he became the 11th pitcher in Major League history to have a 50-save season. [44] He won the Delivery Man of the Year Award (across all of MLB) and also was voted the "GIBBY Awards" Closer of the Year – by the fans, media, team front-office personnel, former players, and SABR. [45]

2014

On February 16, 2014, Kimbrel agreed to a four-year, $42 million extension with the Braves that ran through 2017, with an option for 2018. [46] [47] On April 2, Kimbrel tied Gene Garber's 141 saves with the Braves, good for second in franchise history. Two days later, on April 4, Kimbrel recorded his 142nd career save, to move into sole possession of second place. On April 25, 2014, Kimbrel became the fastest pitcher ever to reach 400 strikeouts—reaching the mark in 236 innings' worth of work. [48] On June 6, 2014, Kimbrel recorded his 155th save in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, surpassing John Smoltz as the new franchise leader in saves. [49] On August 29, 2014, Kimbrel recorded his 40th save of the season. He became the third pitcher to reach that single-season milestone in four straight seasons. [lower-alpha 1] Kimbrel finished the season with a 1.61 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 61+2⁄3 innings. [34] He led the National League with 47 saves, becoming the first pitcher to lead the NL in saves for four consecutive seasons since Bruce Sutter (1979–82).[ citation needed ]

San Diego Padres (2015)

Kimbrel with the San Diego Padres in 2015. Craig Kimbrel Padres.jpg
Kimbrel with the San Diego Padres in 2015.

On April 5, 2015, Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres along with outfielder Melvin Upton, Jr., in exchange for Carlos Quentin, Cameron Maybin, prospects Matt Wisler, Jordan Paroubeck, and the 41st overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft. [51]

On June 8, Kimbrel recorded his 200th career save against his former team, the Braves. He became the fastest pitcher ever to reach that milestone, taking only 318 games to do so. [52] [53]

In his one season with the Padres, Kimbrel made 61 appearances, finishing 53 games while recording 39 saves; he struck out 87 while walking 22 in 59+1⁄3 innings pitched with a 2.58 ERA. [34]

Boston Red Sox (2016–2018)

Kimbrel with the Boston Red Sox in 2016 Craig Kimbrel on May 31, 2016.jpg
Kimbrel with the Boston Red Sox in 2016

On November 13, 2015, the Padres traded Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Manuel Margot, Javy Guerra, Carlos Asuaje, and Logan Allen. [54] [55]

2016

On July 8, 2016, Kimbrel injured his knee while taking warmups. The next day, an MRI revealed that there was a tear in the medial meniscus of the left knee. The injury required surgery, and three to six weeks to recover. [56] He returned to the bullpen at the start of August.[ citation needed ]

For the 2016 Red Sox, Kimbrel made 57 regular season appearances, finishing 47 games while recording 31 saves. In 53 innings pitched, he had a 3.40 ERA while striking out 83 and walking 30. [34]

In the 2016 American League Division Series, Kimbrel made two appearances; he retired all four batters he faced, three by strikeout, as the Red Sox were swept by the Cleveland Indians. [34]

2017

On May 11, 2017, against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park, Kimbrel struck out the side in the ninth inning on nine consecutive pitches, joining Pedro Martínez and Clay Buchholz as the only pitchers in franchise history to accomplish this feat, commonly referred to as an immaculate inning. [57] Two weeks later, Kimbrel recorded a second four-strikeout inning while facing the Texas Rangers. [58] Kimbrel was subsequently named AL Reliever of the Month for May. [59]

For the 2017 Red Sox, Kimbrel made 67 regular season appearances, finishing 51 games while recording 35 saves. In 69 innings pitched, he had a 1.43 ERA while striking out 126 and walking 14. Of all MLB pitchers, he held right-handed batters to the lowest batting average, .108 (in 30 or more innings). [60]

In the 2017 American League Division Series, Kimbrel made two one-inning appearances; he faced a total of 12 batters, giving up four hits, one walk, and one run while recording two strikeouts, as the Red Sox lost to the eventual World Series champions, the Houston Astros. [34]

2018

On May 5, 2018, facing the Texas Rangers, Kimbrel recorded his 300th career save. He achieved this milestone in fewer games (494), fewer save opportunities (330), and at a younger age (29) than any other pitcher. [61] [62] On July 8, Kimbrel recorded his 27th save of the season, and was named to the 2018 MLB All-Star Game. [63] For the 2018 regular season, Kimbrel recorded 42 saves in 63 appearances, pitching to a 2.74 ERA with 96 strikeouts in 62+1⁄3 innings. [34]

In the postseason, Kimbrel recorded six saves while allowing seven earned runs in 10+2⁄3 innings, as the Red Sox went on to win the World Series over the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. [64] On November 12, Kimbrel declined Boston's one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer, thus becoming a free agent. [65]

Kimbrel did not sign with any teams during the off-season, remaining a free agent into the 2019 season. [66]

Chicago Cubs (2019–2021)

On June 7, 2019, Kimbrel signed with the Chicago Cubs on a three-year contract, reportedly worth $43 million. [67] On June 27, he was added to the Cubs' major league roster from the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, [68] and recorded his first save of the season, against Atlanta. [69] On August 5, 2019, he was placed on IL for a knee inflammation. [70] On August 18, 2019, he was reactivated from the IL to help the Cubs beleaguered bullpen. [71] He finished the year 0–4 with 13 saves and a 6.53 ERA in 23 games. [34]

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Kimbrel went 0–1 with a 5.28 ERA and recorded 28 strikeouts and 12 walks in 15+1⁄3 innings. [34]

On May 26, 2021, Kimbrel advanced to 11th on the all time saves list after the Cubs beat the Pirates 4–1 at Pittsburgh. [72] On June 24, 2021, Kimbrel pitched a combined no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Zach Davies, Ryan Tepera, and Andrew Chafin. [73]

Chicago White Sox (2021)

On July 30, 2021, the Cubs traded Kimbrel to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer. [74] Out of the closer role, Kimbrel had a 5.09 ERA in 24 regular season games and a 9.00 ERA in three playoff games for the White Sox. On November 22, the White Sox exercised his $16 million option for the 2022 season. [75]

Los Angeles Dodgers (2022)

On April 1, 2022, the White Sox traded Kimbrel to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for A. J. Pollock. [76] He pitched in 63 games for the Dodgers and finished with a 6–7 record, 3.75 ERA and 22 saves. [34] However, by the end of the season he had been removed from the closer role. [77]

Philadelphia Phillies (2023)

On January 4, 2023, Kimbrel signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. [78] He recorded his 400th career save on May 26, 2023, against the Atlanta Braves. [79] In June, he pitched 13 innings in as many appearances, allowing only 1 run on 6 hits with 21 strikeouts and 5 saves, good for a 0.69 ERA, earning him NL Reliever of the Month honors.

In the 2023 National League Championship Series, Kimbrel was the losing pitcher in Games 3 and 4. In Game 3, he gave up a walk-off single to Ketel Marte in the bottom of the ninth inning, and in Game 4, he blew a two-run lead in the 8th inning and gave up three runs, including a two-run home run to Alek Thomas. He became the first Phillies pitcher to lose back-to-back appearances in the playoffs since Mitch Williams in the 1993 World Series. [80] He became a free agent after the season.

Baltimore Orioles

On December 6, 2023, the Baltimore Orioles signed Kimbrel on a one-year, $13 million deal with a club option for the 2025 season. [81] [82]

International career

Kimbrel was named the closer for Team USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Despite not surrendering one lead-off double all year with the Braves in 2012, Kimbrel gave one up to Nelson Cruz of the Dominican Republic in their round two matchup. Kimbrel would go on to give up two runs in the game, and be the losing pitcher in Team USA's 3–1 loss to the eventual champions.[ citation needed ]

Pitching style

Kimbrel uses a combination of a four-seam fastball and a power curveball to get outs. [83] [84] His fastball averages 97–98 miles per hour (156–158 km/h) and occasionally tops out at 101 miles per hour (163 km/h). [85] His curve, thrown with a "spike" grip, stays in the mid-to-upper 80s. The whiff rate of his four-seamer is 33%, and the curve is at 52%. [86] This combination contributes to a career strikeouts per nine innings rate of 14.7 (as of 10 October 2018). [87] He is also tied for third among all pitchers from 2002 to 2012 in the highest percentage of pitches that resulted in swinging strikes. [88]

Kimbrel's four-seam fastball was the 12th-fastest among Major League relievers in the 2011 season. In addition, he threw the hardest curveball, averaging 87 miles per hour (140 km/h). His fastball had the fifth-highest whiff rate among relief pitchers (32%), and he also had the highest whiff rate of any reliever's curveball, at better than 55%. [89] His pre-pitch stance has also been widely noted and has been dubbed "Kimbreling" or "Spider Arms". [84] [90]

Personal life

Kimbrel has two brothers, Alan and Matt. [91] Matt Kimbrel played baseball in the Braves minor league system for three seasons before being released. [92] [93]

Kimbrel married former Wallace State cheerleader Ashley Holt in 2012. The couple have two children. [94] [95] [96] The couple's daughter was born on November 3, 2017. She was born with heart defects and has undergone two surgeries. [97] [98] [99]

Kimbrel is a born again Christian. [100]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Trevor Hoffman, who achieved it twice, and Francisco Rodríguez are the others. [50]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greg Maddux</span> American baseball player (born 1966)

Gregory Alan Maddux, also known as "Mad Dog" and "the Professor," is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs. He won the 1995 World Series with the Braves over the Cleveland Indians. Maddux was the first pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young Award four consecutive years (1992–1995), matched by only one other pitcher, Randy Johnson. During those four seasons, Maddux had a 75–29 record with a 1.98 earned run average (ERA), while allowing less than one baserunner per inning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Smoltz</span> American baseball player and sportscaster (born 1967)

John Andrew Smoltz, nicknamed "Smoltzie" and "Marmaduke", is an American former baseball pitcher who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1988 to 2009, all but the last year with the Atlanta Braves. An eight-time All-Star, Smoltz was part of a celebrated trio of starting pitchers, along with Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, who propelled Atlanta to perennial pennant contention in the 1990s, highlighted by a championship in the 1995 World Series. He won the National League (NL) Cy Young Award in 1996 after posting a record of 24–8, equaling the most victories by an NL pitcher since 1972. Though predominantly known as a starter, Smoltz was converted to a reliever in 2001 after his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and spent four years as the team's closer before returning to a starting role. In 2002, he set a National League record with 55 saves and became only the second pitcher in history to record both a 20-win season and a 50-save season. He is the only pitcher in Major League history to record both 200 wins and 150 saves. He is also the only pitcher in Major League history to record both 200 wins, 150 saves, and 3,000 strikeouts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derek Lowe</span> American baseball player (born 1973)

Derek Christopher Lowe is an American former professional baseball pitcher. During his career, he played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Wagner</span> American baseball player (born 1971)

William Edward Wagner, nicknamed "Billy the Kid", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He pitched for the Houston Astros (1995–2003), Philadelphia Phillies (2004–2005), New York Mets (2006–2009), Boston Red Sox (2009), and Atlanta Braves (2010). Wagner is one of only eight major league relief pitchers to accumulate at least 400 career saves. A left-handed batter and thrower, Wagner stands 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and weighs 180 pounds (82 kg).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Horacio Ramírez</span> American baseball player (born 1979)

Horacio Ramírez is a Mexican-American former baseball pitcher. His parents emigrated from Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, México. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and in the KBO League for the Kia Tigers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rafael Soriano</span> Dominican baseball player

Rafael Soriano is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, and Chicago Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenshin Kawakami</span> Japanese baseball player (born 1975)

Kenshin Kawakami is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chunichi Dragons and in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Robertson (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

David Alan Robertson, nicknamed "D-Rob", is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Miami Marlins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donnie Veal</span> American baseball player (born 1984)

Donald Tyrone Veal is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Veal played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, and Atlanta Braves. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2nd round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft and is currently a minor league pitching coach for the White Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenley Jansen</span> Curaçaoan baseball player (born 1987)

Kenley Geronimo Jansen is a Curaçaoan professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Casey Kelly</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Casey Patrick Kelly is an American professional baseball pitcher for the LG Twins of the KBO League. He was a first-round draft choice, 30th overall, in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Kelly was the top minor league prospect in the Red Sox organization when he was acquired by the San Diego Padres after the 2010 season, along with three other prospects, in exchange for All-Star player Adrián González. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with San Diego in 2012, but underwent Tommy John surgery the following year. Kelly was traded to the Atlanta Braves after the 2015 season. He has also pitched for the San Francisco Giants.

The 2011 Atlanta Braves season was the Braves' 46th season in Atlanta, and the 141st overall. For the first time since the 1990 season, Bobby Cox did not manage the club, having retired following the 2010 season. He was succeeded by Fredi González, the former third-base coach for the Braves between 2003 and 2006. After entering the playoffs with their first franchise Wild Card berth in 2010, the Braves attempted to return to the postseason for a second consecutive season. Entering the final month of the regular season with a record of 80–55 and an 8+1⁄2-game lead in the Wild Card standings, the Braves went 9–18 in September to finish the season with a record of 89–73. This September collapse caused the team to fall one game behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the Wild Card race after the final scheduled game of the season, which consequently eliminated them from postseason contention. On July 12, 2016, ESPN named the 2011 Braves collapse as the 25th worst collapse in sports history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arodys Vizcaíno</span> Dominican baseball pitcher (born 1990)

Arodys Vizcaíno is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Royals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shelby Miller</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Shelby Charles Miller is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shae Simmons</span> American baseball player

Shae Austin Simmons is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners.

Brandon Michael Cunniff is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Atlanta Braves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hunter Cervenka</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Colby Hunter Cervenka is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins.

Codi Dalton Heuer is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization. He played college baseball at Wichita State University. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Chicago White Sox season</span> Major League Baseball team season

The 2021 Chicago White Sox season was the club's 122nd season in Chicago and 121st in the American League, and their first under returning manager Tony La Russa since 1986. The White Sox played their home games at Guaranteed Rate Field. On September 23, after a win against the Cleveland Indians, the White Sox clinched the American League Central for the first time since the 2008 season and became the first Major League team of the 2021 season to clinch their division. They finished the regular season with 93 wins, the third most in the American League and their most wins as a franchise since the 2005 season. By winning the American League Central, it secured the team their first back-to-back postseason appearance in franchise history after having clinched a wild card berth in the previous season. They lost to the Houston Astros in the 2021 American League Division Series.

References

  1. ↑ McCarter, Mark (November 15, 2011). "Cause for celebration: Huntsville's Craig Kimbrel is National League Rookie of the Year". The Birmingham News. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  2. ↑ Lemire, Joe (September 12, 2011). "A bad break turns out to be pretty good for Braves' Kimbrel". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Cubs' closer Craig Kimbrel's unique pitching pose stemmed from injury". NBC Sports. April 5, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  4. ↑ Inabinett, Mark (June 30, 2017). "Former Lee High School teammates pitch in same MLB game". AL.com. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  5. ↑ Easterling, Mike (May 5, 2010). "Former Lee pitcher Kimbrel added to Atlanta Braves roster". The Huntsville Times. AL.com. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  6. ↑ "Wallace State Community College-Hanceville baseball team individual stats, 2007-08 season". National Junior College Athletic Association. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  7. 1 2 Hummer, Steve (May 21, 2011). "Braves closer took unusual path to role". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved December 5, 2013. Kimbrel the player, though, is an entirely different beast now. The kid just out of Huntsville, Ala., Lee High was nobody's prodigy.
  8. ↑ Mark Bowman. "Strained left hamstring lands Jurrjens on DL". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  9. ↑ Evan Drellich (June 5, 2010). "Kimbrel ready for second taste of bigs". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  10. ↑ Rogers, Carroll (June 3, 2011). "Jones, Hinske homers help Braves rally past Mets". ajc.com. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  11. ↑ David O'Brien (June 28, 2011). "Kimbrel surpasses Rocker strikeout mark". AJC.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  12. ↑ O'Brien, David (July 5, 2011). "Lowe hits (3 RBIs), pitches Braves to win". ajc.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  13. ↑ David O'Brien (July 7, 2011). "Kimbrel breaks first-half rookie saves record". AJC.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  14. ↑ Carroll Rogers (July 10, 2011). "Kimbrel named as replacement to NL All-Star team – updated". AJC.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  15. ↑ Carroll Rogers (August 21, 2011). "Braves postgame quotes following Sunday's win over Arizona". Blogs.ajc.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  16. ↑ David O'Brien (August 22, 2011). "Braves' hitting turnaround is more than just Uggla". Blogs.ajc.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  17. ↑ O'Brien, David (September 1, 2011). "Derek Lowe homers, Craig Kimbrel gets record save". ajc.com. Archived from the original on May 29, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  18. ↑ O'Brien, David (September 2, 2011). "Jones, McCann homers send Braves to win". ajc.com. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  19. ↑ Chris Vivlamore (September 8, 2011). "Braves notes: Beachy gets strikeout mark". Blogs.ajc.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  20. ↑ "Craig Kimbrel named winner of the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month Award for August". MLB.com (Press release). September 8, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  21. ↑ Kimbrel's streak ends; Teheran likely to bullpen Archived October 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  22. ↑ "Latest collapse for Atlanta Braves came before playoffs this time". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 29, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Craig Kimbrel 2011 Pitching Splits". Baseball-Reference.com . Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  24. ↑ Powers, Matt (May 2, 2012). "Atlanta Braves: 10 Keys to Keeping the Phillies in the Rear-View Mirror". Bleacher Report . Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  25. ↑ Neyer, Rob (August 27, 2012). "Braves' Brilliant Relievers Being Paced For September". SB Nation. Archived from the original on August 29, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  26. 1 2 O'Brien, David (November 14, 2011). "Kimbrel wins NL Rookie of Year, Freeman runner-up". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on November 15, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  27. ↑ "BBWAA.com: Official site of the Baseball Writers' Assn. of America". bbwaa.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  28. ↑ "Braves' Craig Kimbrel, Rays' Jeremy Hellickson win Rookie of the Year Awards". Major League Baseball. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Kimbrel wins NL Rookie of Year, Freeman runner-up". Archived from the original on November 16, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2011.
  30. ↑ "Players Choice Awards History". MLB.com. Major League Baseball Players Association. Archived from the original on April 21, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  31. ↑ "July 10, 2012 All-Star Game Play-By-Play and Box Score". Baseball-Reference.com . Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  32. ↑ "Craig Kimbrel Of The Atlanta Braves Named The Major League Baseball Delivery Man Of The Month For September". MLB.com (Press release). Major League Baseball. October 2, 2012. Archived from the original on August 14, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Martin Prado, Braves shake off celebration to beat Marlins". USA Today. Associated Press. September 26, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Craig Kimbrel Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com . Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  35. ↑ Pouliot, Matthew (October 3, 2012). "Craig Kimbrel first in history to fan half his batters faced". Hardball Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  36. ↑ "Craig Kimbrel Pitching Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com . Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  37. ↑ "Rolads Relief Man Award". rolaidsreliefman.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012.
  38. ↑ "2012 NL CY Young voting results". BBWAA.com. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  39. ↑ "2012 NL MVP voting results". BBWAA.com. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  40. ↑ "Kimbrels 100th save comes at historic rate". Fox Sports South. May 10, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
  41. ↑ Bowman, Mark (May 10, 2013). "Kimbrel earns 100th career save". MLB.com. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Simmons' double lifts Braves past Cardinals". ajc.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  43. ↑ "Home-field advantage important for Braves". ajc.com. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  44. ↑ Pouliot, Matthew (September 28, 2013). "Craig Kimbrel is 11th with 50-save season". nbcsports.com. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  45. ↑ Click on "Closer" at "2013 Greatness in Baseball Yearly Awards". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media, L.P. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  46. ↑ "Craig Kimbrel agrees to 4-year deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 16, 2014. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  47. ↑ Bowman, Mark (February 16, 2014). "Kimbrel, Braves agree to four-year contract". MLB.com. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  48. ↑ Keuler, John (June 5, 2014). "A look at Craig Kimbrel's career highlights thus far". Atlanta . Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  49. ↑ Taylor, Jon (June 7, 2014). "Braves' Craig Kimbrel continues to rack up saves at record-setting pace". SI.com . Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  50. ↑ Bowman, Mark (August 30, 2014). "Kimbrel joins short, elite list with 40th save". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  51. ↑ O'Brien, David (April 5, 2015). "Braves deal Kimbrel, Upton to Padres". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on May 19, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  52. ↑ Odum, Charles (June 8, 2015). "Kemp, Kimbrel lead Padres over Braves in 11 innings". Athens Banner Herald. Associated Press. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
  53. ↑ "Kimbrel earns 200th save as Padres beat Braves". Reuters. June 9, 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
  54. ↑ Abraham, Peter (November 13, 2015). "Red Sox acquire star closer Craig Kimbrel from Padres". The Boston Globe . Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  55. ↑ "Padres trade Craig Kimbrel to Red Sox in exchange for 4 prospects". ESPN.com. November 14, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  56. ↑ "Kimbrel set for surgery, placed on DL". CBS Sports. July 9, 2016. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  57. ↑ Browne, Ian (May 12, 2017). "Statcast of the Day: Kimbrel immaculate in win". MLb.com. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  58. ↑ Mastrodonato, Jason (May 26, 2017). "Craig Kimbrel strikes out four in unusual ninth inning". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on March 1, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  59. ↑ Penney, Sean (June 2, 2017). "Red Sox: Craig Kimbrel earns AL Reliever of the Month for May". bosoxinjection.com. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  60. ↑ Splits Leaderboards | FanGraphs
  61. ↑ "Red Sox Notes on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  62. ↑ Hawkins, Stephen (May 5, 2018). "Craig Kimbrel becomes youngest pitcher reach 300 saves in Boston's 6–5 win over Texas". Boston.com . AP . Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  63. ↑ Castrovince, Anthony (July 8, 2018). "These are your 2018 All-Stars". MLB.com . Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  64. ↑ "Boston Red Sox win 2018 World Series". MLB. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  65. ↑ Penney, Sean (November 12, 2018). "Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel rejects qualifying offer". bosoxinjection.com. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  66. ↑ Hurley, Michael (March 28, 2019). "It's Very Strange That Baseball Is Beginning Without Craig Kimbrel". WBZ-TV . Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  67. ↑ Bastian, Jordan (June 7, 2019). "Deal completed, Kimbrel introduced by Cubs". MLB.com. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  68. ↑ Cooper, Sam (June 27, 2019). "Craig Kimbrel could finally make Cubs debut on Thursday". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  69. ↑ "Kimbrel closes out Cubs' debut with Rizzo's help". ESPN . AP. June 27, 2019. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  70. ↑ "Cubs place Craig Kimbrel on IL with knee inflammation". sports.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2019. Retrieved August 5, 2019.
  71. ↑ "Cubs activate Kimbrel to help beleaguered pen". ESPN.com. August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  72. ↑ ‘Sustainable’ Kimbrel No. 11 all-time saves
  73. ↑ Garcia, Megan (June 25, 2021). "Cubs combine to throw record-tying no-hitter". MLB.com . Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  74. ↑ "White Sox net Kimbrel from crosstown Cubs". MLB.com/WhiteSox. July 30, 2021. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  75. ↑ "Sox pick up Kimbrel's option, decline César's". MLB.com . Retrieved April 1, 2022.
  76. ↑ Harrigan, Thomas (April 1, 2022). "Dodgers land Kimbrel from White Sox for Pollock". mlb.com. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
  77. ↑ Toribio, Juan (September 23, 2022). "Roberts removes Kimbrel from closer role". mlb.com. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  78. ↑ "Phils finalize 1-year deal with All-Star closer Kimbrel". MLB.com .
  79. ↑ Inabinett, Mark (May 26, 2023). "Craig Kimbrel becomes eighth MLB player with 400 saves". AL.com. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  80. ↑ eng, Edward (October 22, 2023). "Craig Kimbrel embarrassingly makes Phillies playoff history, but not the good kind". That Ball's Outta Here. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  81. ↑ "Kimbrel signed to fill O's void at closer". MLB.com .
  82. ↑ WALKER, TERESA M. "Baltimore Orioles add reliever Craig Kimbrel to bullpen on 1-year, $13 million deal". USA TODAY. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  83. ↑ Bowman, Mark (April 15, 2012). "Curveball comes through for Kimbrel". MLB.com . Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  84. 1 2 Kepner, Tyler (March 2, 2013). "Pitcher's Stare Is Menacing, but Fastball Is Feared More". New York Times. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  85. ↑ Official Twitter Account of MLB on Twitter
  86. ↑ "Brooks Baseball · Home of the PitchFX Tool – Player Card: Craig Kimbrel". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  87. ↑ "Craig Kimbrel Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com . Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  88. ↑ "Major League Leaderboards » 2012 » Pitchers » Plate Discipline Statistics". Fangraphs . Retrieved August 29, 2012. Minimum 100 innings pitched.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  89. ↑ "PitchFX Leaderboards". Baseball Prospectus. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
  90. ↑ Weber, Rick (February 19, 2016). "For new Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel, best could be yet to come". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  91. ↑ McCarter, Mark (July 8, 2012). "Craig Kimbrel continues to dominate as Braves' ace closer". The Birmingham News. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  92. ↑ "Matt Kimbrel Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com . Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  93. ↑ Varsallone, Jim (July 19, 2017). "Kimbrel brothers want to resurrect baseball in hometown Huntsville". Miami Herald. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  94. ↑ Goold, Derrick (May 13, 2012). "Carpenter feeling better, expects to throw in June". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  95. ↑ Rogers, Carroll (October 11, 2012). "With help from Wagner, Kimbrel puts blown save behind him". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  96. ↑ Moore, Russell (January 4, 2013). "Former Wallace State pitcher Craig Kimbrel appreciative of mental toughness he developed while with Lions, proud of program's tradition". Wallace State Community College. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2015– via National Junior College Athletic Association.
  97. ↑ Browne, Ian (January 22, 2018). "Kimbrel motivated, focused on daughter". MLB.com. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  98. ↑ "Kimbrel leaves spring training for daughter's surgery". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 28, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  99. ↑ "Red Sox's Craig Kimbrel focused on daughter". MLB.com. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  100. ↑ Shields, Christian (June 18, 2021). "Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel finding groove on mound again as he finds fulfillment in Christ". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
Craig Kimbrel
Craig Kimbrel.jpg
Kimbrel at the 2018 All-Star Game
Baltimore Orioles – No. 46
Pitcher
Born: (1988-05-28) May 28, 1988 (age 35)
Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
May 7, 2010, for the Atlanta Braves
Awards and achievements
Preceded by No-hit game
June 24, 2021
(with Davies, Tepera & Chafin)		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.